Grilled Chicken Gyro

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (thighs are juicier than breast)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup (240 g) Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess water using a paper towel to prevent watery sauce.

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For Assembly

• 4 pita breads, warmed
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
• Fresh lettuce or arugula
• Optional: feta cheese crumbles, kalamata olives

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Preparation Steps

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken thighs and coat well with the marinade.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 6 hours for deeper flavor).

Marinating allows the chicken to absorb the herbs and stay juicy when grilled.

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Step 2: Prepare Tzatziki Sauce

1. Grate the cucumber, then squeeze out excess water.
2. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and dill.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Mix until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.

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Step 3: Grill or Pan-Sear the Chicken

Grilling Method:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high.
2. Lightly oil the grill grates.
3. Grill chicken thighs for 5–6 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
4. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Pan-Searing Method:

1. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
2. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
3. Rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

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Step 4: Warm the Pita Bread

1. Wrap pita breads in foil and heat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 5–7 minutes.
2. Or, warm in a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes per side.

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Step 5: Assemble the Gyro

1. Spread 2–3 tablespoons of tzatziki sauce on the warm pita.
2. Layer sliced grilled chicken on top.
3. Add vegetables: onions, tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce.
4. Sprinkle feta cheese and olives if desired.
5. Fold pita over the filling and serve immediately.

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Optional Additions

• Hot sauce or harissa for spice
• Pickled red onions for tanginess
• Roasted red peppers for sweetness